The Google Maps API launched six months after the release of the Google Maps web application in 2005. It was a direct response to the number of rogue applications developed that were hacking the web application, which was immediately so popular that developers hacked the JavaScript interface and developed application such as housingmaps.com, by mashing up available data from multiple API sources.

In 2012 Google Maps is still a ubiquitous presence when it comes to mashing up data from APIs, but a new mapping player has stepped up demonstrating what the future of mapping, mashing up data from APIs, and city exploration can look like.

UpNext Maps has launched two new interactive mapping applications, UpNext HD Maps and UpNext 3D Cities, which allow iPad and Android tablet users explore discover cities around them in a new way. UpNext Maps has pulled rich places, venue, restaurant menus, reviews and transit information from APIs like CityGrid (disclosure: I contract for CityGrid) and Foursquare APIs, and presented in a new way that makes exploring cities fast, smooth--with rich visual detail and personalized.

There are Android and iOS versions of UpNext Maps, demonstrating a multi-platform way of mashing up rich content from multiple APIs and taking it beyond just mapping, and delivering a 2D and 3D experience that transforms the way we explore the world around us.

About the author:Kin Lane
I am a programmer and entrepreneur, with a focus on the business of APIs. I study how APIs are changing the business landscape, and the rise of API driven developer ecosystems. I share my insights by blogging on API Evangelist and ProgrammableWeb, and put into action as API evangelist for CityGrid.